1981 History/Videos

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1981 Many notable technological advances happened
in 1981 one of the most exciting was the First Flight of the Space Shuttle
Columbia. This was also the first year that the Word Internet was mentioned
and MS-DOS was released by Microsoft along with the first IBM PC. On the
world stage the events that captured the imagination included Lady Diana
Spencer marrying Charles The Prince of Wales. In Politics a little known
group before Solidarity inspire popular protests and a general strike
in Poland and the government in the UK starts the process of privatization
of Nationalized Industries which is later followed by many other countries
around the world.

Cost of Living 1981

How Much things cost in 1981
Yearly Inflation Rate USA 10.35%
Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 875
Interest Rates Year End Federal Reserve 15.75%
Average Cost of new house $78,200.00
Average Income per year $21,050.00
Average Monthly Rent $315.00
Cost of a gallon of Gas $1.25
Sinclair ZX80 $199.95
19 inch Color TV $399.95

What Events Happened in 1981

Iran releases
52 American hostages, who had been held for 444 days

Solidarity inspired popular protests and general
strike lead to imposition of Marshal Law and eventual outlawing of solidarity
party in Poland

Thatcher Government in England begin privatization
of Nationalized Industries creating economic revival , this format is
later emulated in many other countries throughout the world

Air traffic controllers strike causing
chaos in the US

Irish Republican Army member Bobby Sands
dies while on the hunger strike, During that time Bobby Sands is
elected to Westminster as the MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

Ronald Reagan becomes US President

Following plans between European Countries
and the US to base Nuclear Missiles in Europe protesters including those
at Greenham Common picket US bases

Researchers find the wreck of the Titanic
in the North Atlantic

Muhammad Ali finally retires with career
record of 55 wins and 5 defeats

Rupert Murdoch shuts down the Sunday
Times due to an industrial dispute